Meeting with Paul Ekman

After landing in sunny California I quickly unpacked at my hotel and rushed outdoors to explore San Francisco. I quickly became enthralled by the hustle of the city. I observed the Spanish influenced buildings, and noted how amazing it was that they were able to squish so many building, people, and activities is such tiny spaces. While my claustrophobia sets in while visiting any city, it seemed particularly strong here.

After calming down, and creating a simple cognitive map of the area around me, I reached into my pocket for a folded index card. As I unfolded the index card, I noticed remnants of my jean pockets lingering in the creases, and sighed with relief that the washed out blue color had not spread onto my crucial writing. I read the directions to the University of California (San Francisco) library, and promptly decided hop on a cable car, followed by a short bus ride. Upon my arrival, I was greeted on the front steps by arguably UCSF's most notable retired professor, Paul Ekman.

His strong handshake, and short stature went along with my preconceived notion that his body held more knowledge and wisdom than any small area seemed capable of. As we entered the library I noticed the predictable stacks of books in their artistic, yet abstract lines. I breathed in that smell that only can be duplicated by old pages touch by many hands. After wondering slightly, he directed me to a small table in the corner surrounded by two couches.

His relatable personality naturally engaged in a conversation that started with life as an undergraduate psychology student, just about our only shared quality. I quickly inquired about his time spent as a Clinical Psychology Officer in the US Army, and he chuckled as if this was something he was repetitively asked about. Nevertheless, he recited what seemed to be a script of information, stories, and feelings. While I found myself wanting to know every detail about his time there, I knew we had to move on.

"Why lying?" I asked. With ease, comfort, and pride, Ekman went on to explain his interest in lying, and his proof of how much we can learn about and from it. He explained that the connections between repetitive behaviors, facial expressions, and lying are just as present as any other successful hypothesis. While he was on the verge of beginning to speak in terms that no amount of psychology schooling could help me understand, he stopped himself. He is too considerate for that. We wrapped up our warm and easy conversation with suggestions he had for me, and him noting the significant points he hoped I grabbed from his work. While I felt as if I was in the presence of greatest, he presented himself much like the grandfather of my best friend. We laughed a little, and decided we had covered everything.

After walking me back to where I would meet my bus, he waved and strolled back into the bustle of the sidewalk.